The start of the salmon fishing season on the River Tay is always a cause for celebration amongst anglers.

But this year's event has been overshadowed by real concerns about dwindling fish stocks.

Until now anglers have been asked to follow a voluntary code to release the first salmon they catch each day and to only retain one fish in two.

The Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board believes radical conservation measures are required to let more salmon to return to the river.

A spokesman said: "As catch and release is now well accepted by the majority of anglers fishing the Tay - 75% of spring salmon caught in 2008 were released - the board hopes that all anglers will make the extra effort to help ensure both the salmon and their sport have a sustainable future."

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Anglers on the River Tay are being asked to free every salmon they catch in an effort to conserve stocks.

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